Diplomatic Mission: Ablakwa Meets Zelenskyy in Kyiv to Free Ghanaian POWs | Discuss Ghana

In a historic and high-stakes diplomatic move, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The visit marks the first time an African Foreign Minister has made a standalone visit to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war.

The core of the mission is a humanitarian appeal to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the release of Ghanaian citizens captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting as part of the Russian army.

"Victims, Not Mercenaries": The Humanitarian Appeal

Minister Ablakwa’s visit was prompted by the capture of two Ghanaian nationals who had been lured into the conflict under false pretenses.

The Recruitment Scheme: Ablakwa described the captured men as "victims of manipulation and criminal trafficking networks" rather than professional mercenaries. He revealed that they were recruited via "dark web" platforms and deceptive job offers, arriving at the front lines with no military training or background.

Health and Treatment: After being granted consular access, Ablakwa confirmed that the Ghanaian detainees are in good health and have been treated in accordance with international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.

Appeal for Magnanimity: During his meeting with President Zelenskyy, Ablakwa requested a "humanitarian release," asking the Ukrainian leader to be "magnanimous and compassionate" toward these individuals who were caught in a "deadly war" not of their making.

Global Context: Recruitment of Africans

The visit has cast a spotlight on the massive scale of foreign recruitment in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Numbers: Ukrainian intelligence revealed that as of February 2026, 1,780 citizens from 36 African countries—including 272 Ghanaians—have been identified fighting within Russian ranks.

Counter-Recruitment Strategy: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Minister Ablakwa discussed plans for a public awareness campaign to expose these trafficking networks across Africa.

The "Grain Hub" Proposal: Beyond the POW issue, the two ministers discussed establishing a regional grain hub on Ghanaian territory to ensure global food stability amid the ongoing war.